From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Ontario, Canada

With all the issues within the squash category, I'm here to formally ask the GPC to consider including a new award for 2018,

"The Leonard Stellpflug Award"

for the prettiest/green Squash at each of the GPC weigh offs.

The cost associated with it are minimal (less than $15 each plaque). I think it might be a big enough incentive to get growers to grow seeds that produce deep green squash. It could take time, but in the future it might also be a benefit to club fundraisers, with these top green squash seeds eventually going for top dollar, just like the real good orange pumpkin seeds do.

Anyway, I would like the GPC to really consider this request. I'm sure the majority of squash growers would like to see something along the same lines as the Howard Dill award & it might make squash become more popular with growers if there is a possibility that they could win a plaque, even though they only grew a 500# squash.

Let's hear from all growers, especially the squash growers. Would you like to see this award at each weigh off? If so, talk to your GPC reps at the weigh offs this year.

9/26/2017 8:11:32 AM

Orient, Ohio

I think that's a great idea, show the greenies some love!

9/26/2017 8:52:58 AM

Western Massachusetts

Love the idea

9/26/2017 10:35:27 AM

Paradise Mountain, New York

Great Idea, It would be great if the GPC goes for it

9/26/2017 11:22:21 AM

Wooley Swamp N.Y.

Great idea Phil

9/26/2017 12:45:12 PM

aurora, IL

I wish the weigh-off in Illinois had one.

9/26/2017 6:22:09 PM

Bethlehem CT

I like the idea. Pretty is pretty. Whether it be green or orange.

9/26/2017 6:48:43 PM

Bloomington Indiana

I say go for it GPC.

9/26/2017 7:53:20 PM

Massachusetts

the gpc brought these strict rules on squash was to protect the genetic line. this award will only continue to help protect these genetics. thanks jane & phil.

9/26/2017 8:19:47 PM

Zimmerman, Minnesota

Great idea....show me some Green!!!

9/26/2017 9:24:40 PM

NE Arkansas

Great idea...

9/26/2017 10:01:57 PM

St.thomas

Those Emerald beauties can turn heads too;). On board Phil!

9/27/2017 3:30:26 PM

Pei Springvale

Sounds good to me

9/27/2017 7:24:34 PM

Netherlands

I guess in the beginning at least, anyone bringing a squash to some weigh-offs would win the prize, being the only entry. Other than that, I had a squash a few years that was a lot better shaped, coloured and good looking than any pumpkin at the weigh-off.

9/28/2017 3:53:46 AM

Germany

I think thats a very good idea and probably increases the numbers of greenies in the patches. But I see the same problem as Brad. It should be a " facultative " award : If no entry fulfills defined minimum requirements , no "Stellpflug"-prize should be awarded at that site.

10/1/2017 8:14:38 AM

Grittyville, WA

Good idea not many entries period I think it would be fun to see more blue/grey or other shades I can see why a pumpkin award should be for orange but can't see why a squash award should be just for emerald green ones...

10/8/2017 5:17:16 PM

Grittyville, WA

Pronounced stell-flug? He grew pumpkins too or just squash?

10/8/2017 5:19:47 PM

Ontario, Canada

I guess I have to be exact in what I say. Any acceptable color of squash should qualify for the award, but you can be sure a greenie will likely beat any grey/blue one, if the crowds have their vote.

I have seen many weigh offs award the HD award to pumpkins that didn't have great colour, but it was the best they had, so they win. Could the squash award be any different? Not sure, but it might help convince growers to grow more pure squash genetics & avoid any more colour issues in the future.

Yes, it's Stellflug. A typo thanks. He was an early squash & pumpkin grower. He was a former squash world record holder & one of the 1st growers to share information with other growers. According to one article I just read, Howard Dill & Leonard were the ones to develop the way we tape our fruit to estimation it's weight. Google him for more info.

Anyway, this was just an idea. The GPC will do what they feel is best in the end.

Congrats to my good friend Joe Jutras for an outstanding season.

Cheers,
Phil & Jane

10/9/2017 10:37:22 AM

Grittyville, WA

No typo it's Stellpflug... Thanks for the idea it's a good idea I think the size only one part of what draws people's interest the variety of shapes and colors makes the weigh offs fun for kids and the general public...

10/10/2017 11:44:26 AM

Grittyville, WA

Bad editing... Size is only one part of what draws people's interest.

More awards = more fun. Better to err on the side of too many awards not much downside to having another award...

10/10/2017 12:04:11 PM